Timing of menarche and menopause and epigenetic aging among U.S. adults: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: ABSTRACT Reproductive aging, including timing of menarche and menopause, influences long-term morbidity and mortality in women, yet underlying biological mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using DNA methylation-based biomarkers, we assessed associations of age at menarche (N=1,033) and menopause (N=658) with epigenetic aging in a nationally representative sample of women ≥50 years. Later age at menopause was associated with lower GrimAge epigenetic age deviation ( B = -0.10 years, 95% CI: -0.19, -0.02). No associations were observed for menarche timing. This suggests a connection between earlier menopause and biological aging, with potential clinical implications for identifying those at high risk for age-related disease.
Source: Clinical Epigenetics
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,890
Awards: PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL MIXTURES: NEURODEVELOPMENT AND DNA METHYLATION BIOMARKERS, Race/Ethnicity, DNA Methylation, and Disparities in Cardiovascular Mortality: NHANES 1999-2002, Common and Distinct Influences of Prenatal and Postnatal Early-Life Adversity on Epigenomic Trajectories in Mexican American Children
OpenAlex ID: W4407830661